Digital Inclusion for East Gippsland
Bytes & Biscuits is a community-led digital mentoring program connecting older East Gippsland residents with trained young mentors for free, one-on-one technology support. Delivered in partnership with local Neighbourhood Houses, sporting clubs, and community organisations across the region. Funded by the Australian Government's Be Connected program.
For Young People: Turn your tech skills into real-world experience
If you're 14–25 and good with technology, become a Digital Mentor. Get accredited training, build genuine workplace skills, earn free gaming time at ESports Collective — and actually make a difference for someone in your community.
For Learners: Free technology help, right in your community
Free, face-to-face support with smartphones, video calls, online banking, MyGov, and whatever else has been frustrating you. No jargon, no rushing, no silly questions. Just a patient local young person, a cup of tea, and biscuits.
For Community Organisations: Lead digital inclusion in your area
Neighbourhood Houses, sporting clubs, and community groups are at the heart of this program. Partner with us to bring digital mentoring to your members with grant funding ($3,000–$20,500), trained mentors, and full reporting support provided.
Our Program
How It Works
Bytes & Biscuits works because local organisations know their communities, and ESports Collective knows how to train mentors and manage the program infrastructure. Together, we deliver something neither could do alone.
Community Organisations
Recruit learners through their existing networks, host sessions in familiar spaces, and lead delivery for their community.
ESports Collective
Trains and supervises young Digital Mentors, manages learner registration and reporting, and supports partner organisations through the grant process.
Learners
Receive free, patient, one-on-one technology help at their local Neighbourhood House, sporting club, community hall, or at ESports Collective in Bairnsdale.
Why It Works
Building Stronger Communities Through Digital Inclusion
When local organisations, young mentors, and older residents come together, everyone gains.
Here's why it works for each of them.
For Older Residents in East Gippsland
Digital skills mean independence — access to Medicare and MyGov, video calls with family, and online banking without needing a lift to the branch. Sessions are free, local, and completely at your pace, in spaces you already know and trust.
For Young Digital Mentors
Real experience that looks good on a resume and feels good to do. Accredited training, professional references, and free gaming time at ESports Collective — one hour for every hour you mentor. Skills that transfer directly into education, employment, and community life.
For Community Organisations
Your members already trust you. When digital mentoring happens in your space, through your relationships, people show up. Grant funding of $3,000–$20,500 supports not just the program — it supports your organisation and the community infrastructure you've already built.
Grant Funding for Community Partners
Your community, your relationships, your program — backed by Good Things Foundation grants of $3,000–$20,500. We provide the trained mentors and systems. You deliver the impact. Most community organisations in East Gippsland qualify.
Be Connected Bytes & Biscuits is delivered by ESports Collective and funded by the Australian Government through the Be Connected program, managed by Good Things Australia.
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